Alabama State Patrol officials say they issued the 59 citations, and they've only heard of seven citations being written by other law enforcement agencies in the state.

The texting-white-driving law, sponsored by Springville Republican Rep. Jim McClendon, was signed by Gov. Robert Bentley in May. It provides for a fine of $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second and $75 for each subsequent offense. Each conviction would carry a two-point penalty on a license.

Drivers can send text messages through voice-activated software, and may use the device while parked on a shoulder, or to summon emergency services.

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State officials say Alabama state troopers have issued 14 citations under the new state law banning texting and driving.

The law went into effect on Aug. 1.

Alabama Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Robyn Bradley Litchfield tells The Birmingham News (http://bit.ly/PaDY64) that she knows of at least two more citations issued by local law enforcement agencies. That number may increase as other agencies report their totals.

Law officers in some eastern Alabama jurisdictions have yet to issue any citations under the state's new law banning texting and driving.

The law went into effect on Aug. 1.

The Anniston Star reports (http://bit.ly/Rkz1er) that the Anniston, Jacksonville and Oxford police departments and the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office all said they've issued no citations for the offense.